Convertible desk and bench combination



Fild April 19, 1955 INVENTOR CHARLES N. APPLE ATTORNEY CONVERTIBLE DESK AND BENCH COMBINATION Charles N. Apple, Greensboro, N. (1.

Application April 19, 1955, Serial No. 502,402

'11 Claims. (Cl. 155-43) This invention relates to convertible furniture and more particularly to a combination of a desk and bench as sembly which may be readily converted into a bench having a back-rest supporting member.

An object of the present invention is to provide a combination desk and seat which may be converted readily into a bench having a seat and back-rest.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a bench for juveniles having a back-rest supporting memher which may be easily converted into a desk.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a convertible desk-bench combination made with integrally formed end frame members.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a convertible desk-bench combination having integraily formed end frame members with a desk top which may be pivoted to form a back-rest for a bench.

nited States Patent A further object of the present invention is to provide 7 a desk-bench combination with a bracket that is suitable for supporting a desk top of a convertible desk and chair assembly which bracket may be pivoted between limiting positions in order to rotate the desk top into substantially a vertical plane to form a back rest for a bench.

Other objects of the present invention are to provide 1 furniture of the convertible desk-bench type having a as the invention becomes better understood from the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which like characters of reference designate corresponding parts throughout the several views and wherein:

Fig. 1 is a side elevational View of the convertible desk-bench combination of the present invention representing the assembly in the desk position;

Fig. 2 is a view similar to Fig. 1 with the desk top pivoted to represent the assembly in the bench position;

Fig. 3 is a greatly enlarged portion, in side elevation, of a pivotable bracket and plate, with portions of the bracket removed to illustrate the fastening relationship to the top portion of an end frame member;

Fig. 4 is a partial sectional view of the top portion of an end frame member illustrating a bracket and a plate taken substantially along the plane of line 4-4 of Fig. 3;

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the top portion of the plate of Fig. 3.

Referring to the drawings there is illustrated one preferred embodiment of the present invention as applied to juvenile combination furniture in the form of a combined desk and stool unit that may be readily convertible into a bench merely by rotating a desk top through approximately a quarter of a turn to form a back rest 2,758,633 Patented. Aug. 14, 1 956 member for the desk stool. The convertible desk-bench assembly broadly comprises a pair of side or end frame members 10 and 11 that are laterally spaced and parallel to each other. Each of the frame members may be formed from a continuous length of stock to provide a seat supporting section 12 and a desk top-back rest supporting section 13. The sections 12 and 13 are longitudinally spaced from each other and lie substantially in the same vertical plane. A bench seat 14 extends horizontally across the seat supporting sections 12 of the end frame members and is fastened thereto by suitable fastening means, such as the screws 15. A flat desk top-back rest member 16 also extends across the frame members and is fastened by the screws 17 to the brackets 18 and 19, each of which brackets is pivotally connected to a supporting section 13 through a plate or disk member 20.

In the illustrated form of the present structure, each end frame member 10 and 11 is formed from a continuous length of stock either of solid rod or a suitable tubular material. It has been found to be satisfactory to make the frame members of a ferrous material, such as steel or wrought iron, or a non-ferrous material, such as aluminum or brass.

The continuous length of stock material is bent to form a stool or seat supporting section 12 by having two parallel legs 21 and 22 extend vertically a suitable sitting height from the ground surface with a horizontal seat supporting section 23 that reaches between the legs 21 and 22 adjacent to the top thereof. The unitary end frame work is continued horizontally adjacent to the ground from the base of one of the legs 22 for a sufiicient distance to provide for easy access to the seat from either side of the assembly when the structure is utilized as a desk and stool combination as illustrated in Fig. 1. When the horizontal ground-engaging foot 24 is formed by extending the requisite length from the base of leg 22, the continuous length of stock is then turned upwardly to extend from the ground Vertically for a suitable distance above the horizontal seat supporting section 23 to form leg 25, and then the stock is turned horizontally and downwardly parallel to the leg 25 and spaced laterally therefrom to form another leg 26 which will constitute together with leg 25 the desk top-back supporting section 13. The leg 26 will be terminated as it engages the ground surface at the terminal position of an end frame member.

In the embodiment shown the legs 21 and 22 forming the chair section 12 as well as the legs 25 and 26 forming the desk top-back rest section 13 are oblique from the true vertical and are tilted or obliqued toward each other. The angular disposition of the legs of each section may be modified to position the seat relative to the desk top.

A circular plate or disk member 20 is fastened, as by welding, to the upper portion of the desk top-bench back supporting section 13 with the radius of curvature of the plate member corresponding substantially to the radius of curvature of the upper bend in the end frame member. Each plate 20 is provided with a projection or lug 27 that may be stamped from the plate 20 so that it will project normally from the upper section of the plate, as is clearly shown in Fig. 5. In addition, the plate 20 is provided with an elongated opening 28 which is substantially in the center of the plate and the purpose for this opening will be described hereinafter.

In the present structure, the desk top-back rest member 16 is supported by a pair of triangular-shaped bracket members 18 and 19 that may be made from a suitable sheet metal. Since the brackets are substantially similar to one another, except for the direction of the bend in the flanges, only one will be described in detail. A side 29 of a triangular bracket is made so that it will lie substantially parallel to the vertically extending legs 25 of the section 1'3 when the desk top assumes the position illustrated in Fig. 1. A second side 30 of the triangular bracket is made suflicientlydong to reach forwardly .to a point adjacent the forward edge of the desk top in order to support a substantial load that may be placed on the over-hanging cantilever section of the desk top. The apex of the converging sides 29 and 30 may be rounded so that it will correspond to the radius of curvature of the circular plate 20. The third side 31' of the triangular bracket has a turned edge or flange 32 through which holes are drilled for receiving the fastening screws 17 in order to secure the desk top-back rest to a bracket. Each bracket is also provided with an opening 33 which is located at the intersection of the radial lines from the rounded corner of the converging sides29 and 30;

I11 assembling the unit the opening 33 will be aligned with the elongated opening 28in the circular plate 20. A pivot bolt 35 is inserted into the opening 33 in each bracket and secured therein by any suitable means. An areuate recess 36 is cut in each of the brackets and extends for approximately, a quarter of a turn or 90. This recess 36 is spaced radially from the axis of rotation which axis of rotation will be about the pivot bolt 35. The radial width of the recess 36 is sufficiently wide to receive the plate projection or lug 27 therein. In addition, a plurality of slots 37, 38, and 3 extend radially outwardly from the main arcu'ate recess 36 in order to position the desk top-back rest 16 in the desired loca tion. In the desk position shown in Fig. 1 the lug 27 will register with the slot 37 thereby retaining the desk top in a horizontal position. In Fig. 2 the lug 27 will register with the slot 39 as the desk top-bench back is rotated clockwise approximately 90". An intermediate positioning slot 38 is furnished so that another position may be obtained as the lug 27 registers with the intermediate slot position. This intermediate position will place the desk top in a slightly inclined position from the horizontal for use of the top as an easel. additional slots may be provided for other desired positions.

The bench seat 14 as well as the desk top 15 may be formed of wood or other suitable materials or combination of materials, such as plywood having a hard smooth surface material that may be bonded to the surface of the plywood.

A foot rest or pedestal 40 may be provided convenientlyin the section 13 between the spaced parallel legs 25 and 26 at a suitable distancefrom the ground and fastened thereto with suitable fastening means, such as by the screws 41. Also a book rest or tray 42 may be sup-. ported in the seat section 12 beneath the seat 14 so that it will reach between the legs 21 and 22 and may be fastened thereto by suitable fastening means. Chair leg caster cups 43 may be secured, when desirable, on each of thelegs 21 and 22 to prevent sliding of the furniture and scratching of a floor surface.

In the horizontal position shown in Fig. l the top pivotally connected section is retained in position by having the lug 27 cooperatively engaged in the slot 37. This position, more clearly shown in Fig. 3 illustrates the manner in which the bolt 35 that is securely fastened to each bracket acts as a stationary pivot center about which the brackets and desk top may rotate. Further, as the top is pivoted to the desired limiting position, such as tosthe opposite end of the recess 36, the lug 27 will then register in the slot '39. The elongated opening 28 will then permit the. bolt 35; to move vertically downward to. enable the lug 27 to engage within the slot 39.

Thus to convert. the unit from one position to another it:

is merely necessary'to raise. the desk top-back rest slightly and then pivot is clockwise or counterclockwise until the lug 27 will register with the desired slot.

It. will become readily. apparent that a unique convertible desk-bench combination is provided. that is ex.-

Obviously tremely simple to operate, and one in which there is no complex machined parts that require difiicult manipulation or lubrication, and one that will require a minimum amount of maintenance.

Obviously many modifications and variations may be made in the construction and arrangement of the end frame members and thebracket members by varying the geometrical contours in the light of the above teaching without departing from the real purpose and spirit of this invention. It is therefore to be understood within the scope of the appended. claims many modified forms of the convertible desk and bench may be made as well as the use of alternatives and equivalents may be reason ably included and therefore modifications are contemplated.

What is claimed is:

l. A combination desk bench unit of the character described comprising a pair of laterally spaced end frame members, each of said end frame members being integral and having a first section reaching vertically from the ground to form a seat portion and a second section reaching from the ground vertically above the seat portion and a horizontal member reaching between said sections adjacent to the ground, a plate having a lug projecting therefrom mounted on each frame member adjacent to the top of the second section, a triangular bracket mounted torotate between limits on each plate, one side of the triangular bracket being retained substantiallyparallel to the vertically reaching second section in one position and another side of said triangular bracket being horizontal in said one position, said bracket having an arcuate recess with communicating radial bracket positioning slots therein to receive the plate lug at the desired angular position of the bracket, a seat member reaching between the laterally spaced end frame members and secured to the top of the seat portion of the first section, a desk top-back rest member reaching between said end frame members secured to said horizontal side of the triangular bracket, and a foot rest brace member reaching between the frame members and spaced vertically from the ground a suitable distance.

2. A combination desk-bench assembly of the character described comprising a pair of laterally spaced end frame members, each of saidend frame members being formed from a continuous length of linear stock and having a first section including vertically reaching parallel leg members and a transverse seat member vertically spaced from the ground at a suitable sitting position, and a second section including a pair of vertically reaching parallel leg members extending from the ground to a position above said transverse scat member, and a horizontal member extending between a leg member of said first section, and a legmember of said second vertically extending section, a plate having a lug projecting therefrom mounted on each frame member adjacent to the top of the second section, a triangular bracket mounted to rotate between limits on each plate, in one position one side of the triangular bracket being retained substantially parallel to the vertical reaching second section and another side of said triangular bracket being horizontal, said bracket having an arcuate recess with communicating radial bracketpositioning slots therein to receive the plate lug at the desired angular position of the bracket, a seat reaching between the laterally spaced end frame members and secured to the transverse seat member of the first section, a desk top-back rest reaching between said end frame members and secured to the horizontal side of each triangular bracket.

3. A combination desk-bench assembly of the character described comprising a pair of laterally spaced end frame members, each of: said end frame members having a first section reaching vertically from the ground to form a seatv portion and a second section reaching from the ground vertically above the seat portion and a horizontal member extending between. said. sections, a plate having a lug. projecting outwardly therefrom. mounted on each frame member adjacent to the top of the second section, a bracket mounted to rotate between limits on each plate, one side of the bracket being retained substantially parallel to the vertically reaching second section and another side of said bracket being horizontal, said bracket having an arcuate recess with communicating radial bracket plositioning slots therein to receive the plate lug at the desired angular position of the bracket, a seat member reaching between the laterally spaced end frame members and secured to the seat portion of the first section, a desk top-back rest reaching between said end frame members secured to said horizontal side of bracket.

4. A combination desk-bench assembly of the character described comprising a pair of laterally spaced end frame members, each of said end frame members having a first section including vertically reaching leg members and a transverse seat portion vertically spaced from the ground at a suitable sitting position and a second section including a vertically reaching leg member extending from the ground to a position above said transverse seating portion and a transverse member extending horizontally between a leg member of said first section and said second vertically extending section, a plate having a lug projecting therefrom mounted on each frame member adjacent to the top of the second section, a bracket mounted to rotate between limits on each plate, one side of the bracket being retained substantially parallel to the vertical reaching second section and another side of said bracket being horizontal, said bracket having means for receiving the plate lug at the desired angular position of the bracket, a seat member reaching between the laterally spaced end frame members and secured to the transverse seat portion of the first section, a desk top-back rest member reaching between said end frame members and secured to the horizontal side of bracket, and a foot rest member reaching between second section leg member and spaced vertically from the ground a suitable distance.

5. A combination desk and bench unit of the character described comprising a pair of laterally spaced end frame members, each of said end frame members being integral and having a first section including a pair of legs spaced from each other and a horizontal connecting member extending between said legs adjacent the top to form a seat portion and a second section including a leg member reaching from the ground vertically above the sitting portion and a horizontal member reaching between said sections adjacent to the ground, a plate having a stop means thereon mounted on each frame member adjacent to the top of the second section, a bracket mounted to rotate between limits on each plate, one side of the bracket being retained substantially parallel to the vertical reaching second section in one position and another side of said triangular bracket being horizontal in said one position, said bracket having limiting means for receiving said stop means on the plate to limitbracket rotation to the desired angular position, a seat member reaching between the laterally spaced end frame members and secured to the seat portion of the first section, a desk top-back rest member reaching between said end frame members and secured to the horizontal side of the triangular bracket, and a foot rest member reaching between the frame members and spaced vertically from the ground a suitable distance. 1

6. A combination table-bench comprising a pair of laterally spaced end frame members, each of said end frame members being formed from a continuous length of stock and having a first section including a vertically reaching leg member and a transverse seat portion vertically spaced from the ground at a suitable sitting position and a second section including a vertically reaching parallel leg member extending from the ground to a position above said transverse seat portion, said transverse seat member extending horizontally between a leg member of said seat portion and said second vertically extending portion, a

plate having stop means thereon mounted lOll each frame member adjacent to the top of the second section, a

bracket mounted to pivot between limits on each plate, one side of the bracket being retained substantially parallel to the vertical reaching leg of the second section and another side of said bracket being horizontal in one position of the bracket, said bracket having limiting means for receiving said plate stop means to position the bracket, a seat member reaching between the laterally spaced end frame members and secured to the seat portion of the first section, a desk top-back rest member reaching between said end frame members and secured to the horizontal side of said bracket, and a foot rest member reaching between the frame members at the second section.

7. A device of the character described comprising a pair of laterally spaced end frame members, each of said frame members being formed from a continuous length of stock and having a seat frame section and a desk topback supporting section lying substantially in the same vertical plane, said sections being spaced longitudinally from each other by a horizontal member reaching between said sections, a desk top-back rest member, bracket means for supporting said desk top-back rest member adon said bracket and said supporting section for positioning the bracket means at a suitable angle.

8. A device of the character described comprising a pair of laterally spaced end frame members, each of said frame members being formed from a continuous length of stock and having a seat frame section and a desk top-back supporting section lying substantially in the same vertical plane, said sections being spaced longitudinally from each other by a horizontal member, bracket means for sup porting said desk top-back rest member mounted adjacent to the top of said supporting section, limiting means on said bracket means and said supporting section for positioning the bracket means at a suitable angle, said limiting means comprising a plate having a lug projecting therefrom and an arcuate recess with communicating slots in the bracket means for receiving said lug therein at the limiting positions.

9. A device of the character described comprising a pair of laterally spaced end frame members, each of said frame members having a seat frame section and a desk top-back supporting section lying substantially in the same vertical plane, said sections being spaced longitudinally from each other by a horizontal member reaching between said sections adjacent to the ground, a desk topback rest member, bracket means for supporting said desk top-back rest member adjacent to the top of said supporting section, limiting means on said bracket means and said supporting section for positioning the bracket means at a suitable angle.

10. A device of the character described comprising a pair of laterally spaced end frame members, each of said frame members being formed fnom a continuous length of stock and having a seat frame section and a desk top-back supporting section lying in substantially the same vertical plane, said sections being spaced longitudinally from each other by a horizontal member adjacent to the bottom of, said sections, bracket means for supporting said desk topback rest member adjacent to the top of said supporting section, limiting means on said bracket means and supporting section for positioning the bracket means at a suitable angle, said limiting means comprising a plate having a lug projecting therefrom and an arcuate recess with communicating slots in the bracket means for receiving said lug therein at the limiting positions.

11. A device of the character described comprising a pair of laterally spaced end frame members, each of said frame members being formed from a continuous length of stock and having a seat frame section and a desk top-back supporting section lying substantially in the same vertical plane, said sections being spaced longitudinally from each other by a horizontal member, bracket means for sup: porting said desk top-back rest member adjacent to the top of said supporting section, limiting means on at least one bracket means and supporting section for positioning the bracket means at a suitable angle, said limiting means comprising a plate having a lug projecting therefrom and an arcuate recess with communicating slots in the bracket means for receiving said lug therein at limiting positions.

Reierences Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Francis Sept. 22, 1874 Fotre Dec. 14, 1937 McCaw May 9, 1950 'Sebel Dec. 1, 1953 Kump Mar. 30, 1954 Costanzo Ian. 4, 1955 

